City names new paramedic chief

The City of Ottawa has named a new chief of its paramedic service.

Myles Cassidy will take over from Deputy Chief Peter Kelly, who was filling the role on an interim basis, on July 10, the city announced Wednesday.

Cassidy returns to Ottawa from Cornwall, Ont., where he was general manager in charge of paramedics, emergency management, long-term care, housing and social services, and child care services.

In a memo to the mayor and council, Ottawa's general manager of emergency and protective services Anthony Di Monte — himself a former chief of the city's paramedic service — described Cassidy as "uniquely well qualified" for the role.

Cassidy, also a board member of the Ontario Association of Paramedics Chiefs, has 28 years of experience as a public servant.

Also on Wednesday, the city named Lee Ann Snedden as the new director of planning services. Snedden has 29 years of municipal experience, and has worked in a variety of roles in five different city departments.